Thursday, September 27, 2007

Is India Really The world's Largest Democracy?

Outsourcing notwithstanding, the United States of America and India roll tight on the bilateral tizzle (Exaggerated cough suggesting feigned detachment). Fer realsies. And, yes, India is -- officially and politically -- the world's largest democracy. A part of The President's South Asia strategy to contain China -- and, with less emphasis, reduce greenhouse gas emissions -- is to share civil nuclear technology with India. But news such as the following makes us wonder deeply how "democratic" India truly is. From Thisislondon:

"Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty has been arrested in India over her infamous clinch with Richard Gere, after airport officials said she was still wanted in connection with obscenity charges.

"The Celebrity Big Brother winner was released only after prolonged questioning after being stopped at Mumbai Airport, according to reports, on her way to the opening of the Miss Bollywood musical in Berlin.

"Shetty was held at Mumbai Airport by immigration officials who had no record of a Supreme Court ruling which overturned a ban on her leaving the country.